Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Eric - July 24 - 7:03 am

  Ive had my FJ for almost a year now and it is still a lot of fun. I havent had the chance to get it off- road except into a couple of fields. Cant wait to take it over a mountain.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Raider68 - July 24 - 6:36 am

  I was looking at the LE and the dealer asked me to look at the SE model. I am sure glad that I did! For $1500 more you get a lot of equipment. I love the special seats and ground effects package.

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  EXCELLENT BUY...RELIABLE...GOOD ON GAS - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By zippadeedudah - July 23 - 7:43 pm

  This car was considered a "cream puff" when I purchased it. One owner. I got it at 94000 miles and now it has 96000. It is excellent on gas mileage, 30/36. It is in pristine condition and has all the extras, including sunroof, 6 disc CD changer. I paid $5500 for it and was very happy to do so. I have various other larger and new cars but I bought this one to run around town in and to reduce gas prices during these hopefully temporary times.

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  LOVE MY TOYOTA!! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By wildcat86 - July 23 - 5:46 pm

  This is my third Toyota and by far my favorite! I looked long and hard for this vechile and it has gone beyond my expectations. It has handled everything I have thrown its way.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Richard Hay - July 23 - 12:00 pm

  Purchased with 23700 mi.,at,cc,pl,pw for just under TMV price. Getting 30/38 city/hway mpg. Adequate power,quiet, like the visibility,head room,ground clearance,ease of access,ride. I am expecting excellent reliability.

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  Pruis IV Nav/Sun Roof Package - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By rsdavis - July 23 - 6:30 am

  Car gets great gas mileage. Performance is acceptable for commutes and highway driving. Quiet ride and smooth. Sitting in traffic/light and not burning fuel is great. JBL needs to improve DVD/NAV system as far as satellite radio issues, see improvements. NAV system locks out display for safety but annoying when passenger available to change destination. Glove box material scratches easily. Oil changes now every 10K miles vs 5K miles so easier on wallet for synthetic oil changes. The front hood bumper areas needs covered due to slope of hood so it catches rocks and bugs easily. No belts to change in engine. EV Mode gets me to house through housing development without using gas for over 1/2 mile

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  Great vehicle; legendary Toyota quality - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Beachsixpack - July 22 - 11:33 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Love the nav, leather seats, climate control, sunroof, nothing but good things to say. Gas mileage could be better, average 23-25 highway, about 20 around town.

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  Recommended - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By MFM - July 22 - 5:33 pm

  I was skeptical with SUVs before but I proved myself wrong after driving the new RAV4 06. The stability control gives me the security to drive one. Im loving the powerful V6 engine too. The size is just right-not too big but with enough legroom. The only thing I dont like about it is the sound system. The sound tend to be boxy even on FM stations.

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  Awesome - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By John - July 21 - 9:06 pm

  The new Sequoia is a great SUV. I used to be a GM truck guy, but had so many reliability and customer service problems that I finally conducted a fair assessment of the large SUVs available and the Sequoia came out on top. It handles great (not like the 5,900 pound SUV that it is), looks great, and the time is right to buy.

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  I still love my Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Mattie - July 21 - 1:56 pm

  Purchased my Avalon in June of 2004. I am faithful with oil changes and tire rotation. Have had no problems whatsoever with this car. Inside and outside are still just like new. As comfortable as any car I have ever ridden in. The gas mileage is not as good as the Camry I had before but the comfort of the Avalon makes up for this - especially if you are driving any distance.